Following last month’s BN5 update, we are thrilled to share more information about some of the exciting plans for this year’s Henfield Common Fair and Show on 13th September 2025. We will be writing to all clubs and groups early in the New Year to invite their involvement, in the meantime, a few highlights!
A long time Fair favourite on the Common is the much-loved ‘Show Tent’, a space to display the creativity, talent, and green thumbs of our village residents. There’s something for everyone to get involved in, whether you grow gorgeous roses, bake renowned lemon drizzles, or love to create art.
There will be classes for all ages, so we want lots of you to have a go and have fun. For the fruit, vegetables and flower classes now’s the perfect time to think and plan. There will also be some fun categories such as ‘Wonky Vegetable’ ‘Flowers in Footwear’ and ‘Wreath for any Door’ within the growing and foraging section. Have a go, don’t worry about absolute perfection, although that is also welcome!
January is the month to get stirring your preserves, and we would love to see home-made fruit jams and jellies, marmalade, lemon curd, honey and chutneys.
There are some very talented art and craft makers in our village – let’s showcase this and celebrate the beautiful things we can make! Advance notice of categories are: ‘Soft Craft’ – crochet, knitting, felt, lace and embroidery, and ‘Hard Craft’ – wood, ceramic, pottery and metal - cold winter months are a great time for cosy craft indoors.
It would be wonderful to see what our young people are producing in the arts – this category will include: ‘Sussex Nature’, ‘Graffiti Art’ ‘Someone important to Me’ and ‘Beauty’. Photography will include ‘Wild Weathers’, ‘Sleeping’ ‘Fungi’ and ‘My best photo of the year’. A detailed programme will be published later in the year with all classes and events.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to invite local businesses to consider sponsoring or advertising at the Fair. At past Fairs, there has always been such generous support from our local businesses, and we will be writing to local businesses in the new year with more details. The Fair Team is also seeking grant assistance to be able to run the 2025 Fair.
This community event is for the people, by the people! As we get closer to the Fair in September, volunteers will be needed to help out with all manner of tasks. Marshalling, putting up marquees, setting out tables, keeping things tidy – much to do! Please get in touch if you’d like to help. A reminder that the Fair is taking place in early September to allow a summer meadow to thrive undisturbed on the Common, which is vital for wildlife, more details in this magazine.
Finally, how strong are you Henfielders? Due to popular demand, the Tug of War will return to the Fair!
Sarah Witten and Andrea May